BREAKING: after 20 years, Mayor John DeStefano Jr. is expected to announce he won’t seek reelection

First it’s Rick, now it’s John. Today, it seems another New Haven leader has decided to give up his leadership position after 20 years of service. This time, Mayor John DeStefano Jr. is expected to announce tomorrow that he will not seek his eleventh term. The New Haven Independent reports that the longest serving mayor in the city’s history is expected to make his announcement from The Russian Lady on 144 Temple St., tomorrow at 5 pm. The press conference is meant to be a celebration of the mayor’s illustrious service to the Elm City.

Since he was first elected to head up City Hall in 1993, DeStefano has never had a challenger receive more than 45 percent of the popular vote in any of New Haven’s biennial mayoral races. However, in the most recent election, DeStefano had to outspend first-time candidate, Independent Jeffrey Kerekes, by a factor of 20-1 in order to attain his ten point (55-45) victory. From his recent endorsement of new enforcement strategies at the New Haven Police Department, to his controversial changes to the New Haven school district, in recent years, DeStefano has certainly garnered a few critics.

Last week, East Rock Alderman Justin Elicker announced his candidacy for mayor, while state Rep. Gary Holder-Winfield has also announced that he’s thrown his hat into the ring.